Austrian Foreign, Security, Defence Policy
Austrian foreign, security, and defence policy represent a central focus of our research activities. As part of the EU, Austria plays an important role in the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Our research and analysis aim to identify the opportunities and challenges for Austria, and to point out possibilities to contribute to national and European security. The Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy stimulates the public discourse, raises awareness of the importance of the matter, and provides analytical input for Austrian foreign, security and defence policies in a complex world. In this context, the AIES organises public discussions, consults with decision-makers from politics and administration, regularly publishes analysis papers, and presents its research results in various media appearances.
Current AIES activities on the topic. Research also in the database.
Events
Climate Change and its Consequences
18.11.2025 / A workshop on the effects on critical infrastructure
Unmanned Protection of Critical Infrastructure
21.10.2025 / Closing Event of the USKIT Research Project
Europe's security architecture in a phase of geopolitical upheaval
22.07.2025 / Visit of the Bundeswehr to the AIES
Neutrality in Transition
05.06.2025 / Comparative Perspectives from Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, and Malta
In the media
15.03.2024 / Defense News
Sweden and Finland have dropped neutrality. Austria still fetes it.
Statements by AIES Research Fellow Christoph Schwarz
27.02.2024 / Radio Télévison Suisse
L’Autriche veut tripler son budget militaire
Statement by AIES Research Fellow Ulf Steindl
15.08.2022 / Al Jazeera
Austria commits to neutrality, even as Russia destroys Ukraine
Statements by Christoph Schwarz
Publications
Österreich und die GSVP
Am 27.06.2018 organisierte das AIES, gemeinsam mit dem Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung, die Auftaktveranstaltung zum Österreichischen EU-Ratsvorsitz unter dem Titel „Österreich und die GSVP - Außengrenzschutz und Krisenbewältigung in Europas Umfeld“ in der Diplomatischen Akademie Wien.
Das österreichische Bundesheer als COVID-19 Krisen-Akteur im In- und Ausland
AIES: Das österreichische Bundesheer als COVID-19 Krisen-Akteur im In- und Ausland, AIES Studie 1/2021
Europapolitik in Blau-Gelb
Michael Stellwag: Europapolitik in Blau-Gelb – Niederösterreichs Initiativen und Selbstverständnis in der Europäischen Union – Eine Analyse, AIES Studie 2/2021
The CFSP of the EU – The View from Austria
Vladislava Gubalova, PhD, Senior Fellow, Centre for Global Europe (ed.): From Contestation to Buy-In: The EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy as seen from European Capitals – National Approaches to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. A Collaborative Report
Podcast
29.11.24 / Episode 23 / Special Transatlantic Talks Series
Austria's Evolving Defence Partnership with the U.S.
In this episode of the Special Transatlantic Talks series, we explore Austria’s defence partnership with the United States and the implications of this cooperation for both countries, especially in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Moderated by AIES Research Fellow Ulf Steindl, the discussion features a distinguished guest, Major General Norbert Huber, who serves as Austria's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché to the United States, Canada, and Brazil. With decades of experience in the Austrian Armed Forces, including leadership roles in armament procurement and force development, Major General Huber offers unique insights into Austria's strategic reasons for defence cooperation with the U.S. and the benefits of the State Partnership Programme with Vermont. The episode also covers Austria’s partnership with NATO and its complementarity with U.S. defence relations, as well as Austria’s utilization of U.S. defence procurement programmes.
This special series is conducted in partnership with YATA Austria, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.
Videos
Free and Open Indo–Pacific (FOIP) Perspectives of Japan and Austria/Europe
30.06.21 / Webinar co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Austria, and the AIES
Robotic Wars
27.05.21 / Velina Tchakarova speaks with Markus Reisner, Colonel (General Staff), Austrian Armed Forces
Cyber Security in International Politics: The Perspectives of Japan and Austria
22.03.21 / Online Discussion